1. Creating Business Opportunities

2. The Membership Team Be informed, inspired, involved
Fiona our Manager
Julie looks after the networks
Sarah edits the magazine & organises events
Tory is our placement student- and manages the members!
We start by introducing ourselves not because we love these photos, but because people think we are a huge organisation, but it is just us -and none of us work full time! We are all hugely enthusiastic about what we do and we punch well above our weight. Between us we provide all of the benefits to 1500 members, support the growing number of WiRE Networks (currently 64)
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3. Background
WiRE started in 1996 when research by senior lecturer at Harper Adams University College Izzy Warren-Smith identified a significant number of farm diversifications were established by women. 
The women were, coming up against a number of barriers, including lack of access to finance, lack of confidence, not being taken seriously, rural isolation, and lack of rural business support.
The first WiRE conference attracted some 500 women and showed that the Countryside was alive with business often driven by entrepreneurial rural women – it opened the floodgates.
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4. Sustainable Support Phoenix funding and support from HAUC
Delivery of business support through ESF and RDA projects
Support in area not funded
Support when projects end
Need for sustainable long term support
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5. Local WiRE Networks Run by volunteer members for members
Offer a friendly and supportive environment
Enable women to overcome the isolation of working on their own
Offer a place where working together is encouraged but not expected
Enable women to share and gain information and experience
Provide an opportunity to support others & ‘give back’
Provide opportunities for collaboration
Provide business opportunities
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6. Support for WiRE Networks
WiRE offers a package of support to Local Network Leaders which includes:
Mentoring and support to set up the group
Advertising all meetings to potential and current WiRE members in the area
Page on the WiRE website to advertise meetings, news, information and events
‘Network Leader’s Pack’ which contains information, meeting tips, WiRE leaflets, signs, WiRE pencils, name badges etc.
On going support and Network of the Week
Access to other Local WiRE Network Leaders regionally and nationally to share ideas and support
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7. Lessons Listen to your customers Digital will not “do it”
Have a process and some rules
Cherish and support
Learn to let go
Engage everybody
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8. Membership Be informed, inspired, involved
WiRE membership costs just £40.00 per year per individual and includes:
WiRED our quarterly magazine
e-newsletter & monthly member business directory
Local WiRE Networks
listing on ‘Rural Marketplace’
Business Help Articles
HSBC card processing services
National WiRE Events
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9. More information 01952 815338 Thank you! www.wireuk.org
Thank you!
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